Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Un copetín is a Tango written by José Fernández and composed by Juan Maglio.
“Un copetín” narrates a tale of remembrance and longing through the act of drinking “un copetín,” a slang term for a small drink, typically alcoholic. The lyrics reflect the story of a man reminiscing about a past love, specifically referencing a woman he deeply loved and dreamt of, whom he identifies with fond yet sorrowful nostalgia. The repeated mentions of “un copetín” suggest an attempt to drown his sorrows or to toast to memories of a love that has since faded into the shadows of the past. This sentiment is encapsulated in the verse where past happiness is contrasted with present loss, emphasizing the transformative power of time on personal relationships and inner emotions.
In the tango “Un copetín,” the drink serves as a poignant symbol of solace and escape from the sorrow of lost love. José Fernández uses this symbol to delve into themes of nostalgia, melancholy, and the pain of irretrievable times. The act of drinking “otro copetín” is not just indulgence but a ritual of remembrance, a salute to what once was. There’s also a subtle reflection on the relentlessness of time—illustrated through phrases like “Todo pasó, todo se fue” (Everything passed, everything went away)—and a stark resignation to the inevitability of change.
“Un copetín” was created in 1941, during a period when Argentina was deeply influenced by the global upheavals of World War II though not directly involved. Tango itself was undergoing transformations, reflecting deeper, often darker social and personal themes. The mention of specific cultural terms like “Vasca” (indicating a Basque woman) and “paica” (possibly a play on ‘peca’, a term for a female partner in lunfardo) not only localizes the tango within Argentine cultural context but also suggests personal histories intertwined with broader social narratives. The reference to changed times possibly echoes the sense of displacement and cultural shifts felt during this era.
José Fernández was an Argentine lyricist known for his poignant and evocatively written tangos that often explored themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.